Welcome back, fabulous friends!! Whose up for another round of smalls?? I love sharing the smalls in this way because not only does it give me inventory for my booth, it also pushes me to get them done!
I have six more for y’all today:
Four of these are from my Post Shut-down Thrift Store Haul and two are things I picked up on a more recent trip! I’ve included a few affiliate links so you can find the products I love.
Let’s start with this magazine rack I picked up for $6.25:
I figured it would paint up cute. You may have seen it in the spray tent in my last painting the smalls post:
I had given these items a quick coat of Rustoluem spray primer, just to get a quick coat of paint on them. It is not necessary to prime prior to using Dixie Belle paint. This just allowed me to only have to brush on one coat of paint.
I followed the Rustoleum with one coat of Dixie Belle’s Cotton:
I sanded the edges here and there with 220 grit sandpaper when the paint was barely dry.
Next up is this little $5 gold box that was part of my post shut-down haul:
I have seen this same box several times and actually redid one like it before. I decided to give this one a nice clean non-distressed coat of white this time…one quick spray prime with Rustoleum Primer and one coat of Dixie Belle’s Fluff.
Certainly better than the worn out gold it was previously.
Here was the inside before:
Mmmm…gotta love that sexy red velvetish lining. I decided to rip that out. I used a razor scraper to get most of the remaining lining out.
Then I painted the inside in a 50/50 mix of Vintage Duck Egg Blue and The Gulf and added a mini transfer:
What a fun surprise when you open the box! And isn’t that color mix so pretty?
On the inside and the outside, I used a spray satin sealer from Rustoleum to seal because of all those nooks and crannies.
How about this shelf that was also part of my first post shut-down trip that I paid $3.95 for?
It was nice and chunky and I knew this would look so pretty….in white, of course:
For this one, I also sprayed the first coat with Rustoleum Primer and followed up with one coat of Dixie Belle’s Fluff.
Because this was green to start, instead of sanding, I pulled out my distressing block. (See more about how I use the block and Coffee Bean paint to cheat a distressed finish HERE!)
I just love all those pretty details!
Up next is this very industrial-looking metal basket that I paid more than I would have liked at $8.25:
I could have put this in my booth as-is and sold it no problem, but after seeing what a little paint did for the wire basket I shared in my last round of smalls, I was excited to see what it could do for this one too.
I was not disappointed!
Right??
I took the mix of Vintage Duck Egg Blue and The Gulf that I used on the inside of the white box I shared earlier and added Cotton to the mix and got a lovely soft aqua blue color…
I was looking to create a color that was soft like Sea Glass, but more blue, and I think this is it!
(25% Vintage Duck Egg, 25% The Gulf, and 50% Cotton)
I decided not to seal this one at all.
The next one is another from my haul, this sad olive tree I picked up for $6.25:
I was drawn to it for some reason, and decided to see if I could do anything to give it a lift.
So I dry-brushed the base in Cotton and replaced the ugly brown moss with Spanish moss instead:
I also cleaned every single dust-filled leaf and olive with a couple of clorox wipes. Then I added a stem of olive leaves that I picked up at Michaels (There was only one stem left.) and cut into three separate stems to fill it out a tiny bit more…
and the dry-brushed pot and new moss did wonders…
I think it actually makes the container look a bit bigger!
I chose not to seal this either.
And finally, I picked this little lamp up more recently:
It was marked $6.25 (That seems to be their magic number lately.), but all blue tags were half off, so I got it for$3. You know I was drawn to that blue ceramic!
I decided to go white on this one too, using the distressing block and Coffee Bean paint to “distress”, but I took a reader’s suggestion and deconstructed the shade this time:
I painted and “distressed” it also. I thought it would be fun more for looks than function!
And that’s six more smalls done!
Do you have a favorite? I am pleased to announce that I will not be keeping any of this lot. It’s hard, y’all.
That is almost this whole bunch done!
See what became of them all at the links below:
Thrift Store Coaster Set Repurposed
I am going to be too puffy-eyed from crying to be of any use to anyone the rest of this week. I will be driving Jack to college on Thursday! Wahhhhhh.
When did he grow up?
What? Doesn’t everyone have two bathtubs in their bathroom?
That photo was from the first post Jack ever appeared in back 2012! That was our master bathroom at our old house. You can see what we did to it HERE if you like. It’s a SUPER OLDIE!!
Stop by on Thursday to see 23 of my own thrifty chair makeovers from over the years!
UPDATE: No need to wait…see them all here!! 🙂
Stay safe and stay well!!
XOXO,
Don’t Miss a Thing!
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Mary Kasier says
Wow they all turned out amazing! My favorite is the gold box-so adorable with the transfer surprise inside. Everything looks amazing now! Jack going off to college, I can’t believe it-WOW!
Christy says
Thank you, Mary! I’m so glad I could give it a fun touch inside! And we just got word this morning that Jack’s classes have been delayed two weeks, so his move-in date has been also! Get to squeeze him for another two weeks yay! XOXO
Mary Kasier says
I forgot to ask you where is the mini transfer from? I LOVE it, please share!!
Christy says
Hi again! This transfer is from a set of mini transfers called Classic Vintage Labels by Re-designed by Prima. You can find them for sale on Etsy if you do a search for them! There are awesome and it comes with a bunch! XOXO
Petra says
Well I love that gold-turned-white box and the little shelf 😀 but all the projects are fantastic xo
Christy says
Thank you, Petra! I think I could do these little makeovers all day LOL! Have a great week! XOXO
Christina says
Christy, you always knock it out of the park with the smalls! 🙂 Love the wire basket!! You worked wonders with the potted faux plant… and yes, the pot does look bigger. Funny that the lidded box looks like ironstone in white. 🙂
Aww, so sorry you’ll be crying… I hope Jack is really enjoying college.
Be well!!
xoxo
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Christina! I really enjoyed this set. And yes, funny how the white paint makes that pot look bigger! We just got word that Jack’s move-in date has been delayed two weeks since classes have been pushed back two weeks… So I get to have them around for a couple more weeks yay! Have a great day, my friend! XOXO
Melissa says
Love these all, but I have to say I really love the round metal basket – the color is beautiful!
I can’t believe your son is heading off for college-it seems like he was just your little business buddy.
Christy says
Thank you, Melissa! Paint totally changed the feel of that metal basket for sure! And I know…It seems like just yesterday he was trying to earn a little money from helping me! XOXO
Karen A Cronk says
My husband and I have made two of those off-to-college drives….That picture of your son is sooo cute, I’m getting teary-eyed with you! Now, our daughter & son-in-law are celebrating their 10th wedding anniversary and our “baby boy” is 28! Where did those years go?!?!?!? Hang in there, Mom!
Christy says
Aww thank you, Karen! It sounds like you know exactly how it feels! He is excited and that makes it easier for sure! We just got word yesterday that classed have been pushed back two weeks so his move-in date has also. It’s like a gift! XOXO
Lilly T says
Love them all but that box… Oh my!! It’s gorgeous!! I am working on a Jewelry Armoire that has velour lined drawers and doors and the top compartment of course. Wondering if painting it like this would work or if I should line it with fabric or something else. Any recommendations? Have you done one that I might just have missed?
Christy says
Thank you, Lilly! I removed the lining in mine, but I would try painting one of the insides of the drawers and see how it looks first. You can always cover it if it doesn’t turn out! XOXO
Sue H Mellette says
Hi Christy! I love all the smalls. Redoing these are right down my alley!! LOL.
I particularly like the white box with the pretty aqua inside and the transfer. It is indeed a nice surprise when you open it up! Is there anything that you cannot transform? Your talents are amazing. Will be thinking about you as you take Jack to college. I understand how you feel. Especially your first to go off on a new adventure.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Sue! I think everyone enjoys seeing these simple makeovers…easy for anyone to do! I love that box too! We got word yesterday that classes, and therefor move-in will be pushed back two weeks, so no tears today lol! I think I’ll be more ready in two weeks. XOXO
Margie says
Love the smells,the box & metal basket my favs. Lol Colorex wipes on leaves 😱. Stay safe.
Christy says
Thanks, Margie! I know…Clorox wipes are so coveted these days lol! XOXO
LORRI says
You can do it Chrissy… you brought him up to be a upstanding, loving son. He will do well, but tell him to social distance, no crazy parties. Oops I’m probably scaring you . About your smalls I love them all..but I absolutely love the bee transfer..💗 ok I also love the wire basket you painted with your “new sea glass paint” !!
Take Care..Jack will do well..you didnt say where he is going..will it be really far away?
Christy says
Aww thank you, Lorri! He is a great young man, Very responsible and mature for his age. He is nothing like I was in high school lol. I enjoyed a good party, but with the freedom at college? We’ll see! His first choice was UVA, but he was put on the waitlist. They have an option however for waitlisted students where they can do their Freshman year at their UVA at Wise location in SW VA, and then provided he maintains his GPA and completes the required credits, he will transfer to the main campus next Fall, so that is the plan! He will be seven hours away for the first year though! Not looking forward to that, but when he transfers, he will only be three hours away. XOXO
Jeri Aycoth says
Ha! I have an ugly gold box just like the one you redid and it was literally in my car to take to Goodwill. I pulled it out of the car and am planning to refresh it with my Dixie Belle paint. Can’t wait to see how it turns out.
Christy says
Oh yes…grab that thing right back out, Jeri! Ha ha!! XOXO
Kelly Howard says
I am a HUGE fan of those ‘smalls’ because those are what truly add personality to a space! I am always on the hunt for that perfect few pieces that create just the look I am after. I am not a fan of exposed light bulbs though so I vote that lampshade gets strips of crisp white cotton tied to it to complete the soft look you have started. I think it is the black piece where the bulb screws in that bothers me most because if painted the little place it gets clicked for on and off would not wear well. These pieces were all fabulous and I have one of those really ornate chunky shelves and it has sat for years because the chunky can be ornery to decorate with. You have inspired me to paint it white and touch the edges with gold for my bedroom! I appreciate you, dear!💕
Christy says
Thank you, Kelly! I too am not a fan of exposed lightbulbs, so I figured this would be cute just to look at lol. We’ll see if it sells, and if not, I’ll just replace the shade, or add strips of fabric. Have fun with your shelf!! XOXO
Marcie Lovett says
Nope, I refuse to believe that boy is going to college. Even though I’ve seen him on the blog recently, I still think he’s 12! Wishing you safe travels, hoping all goes well for his first term.
Oh, and the blog 😉 – I know I’m not the only one who enjoys seeing the small makeovers. If it encourages you to finish them for the booth, even better. My favorite this time has to be the little box, the inside treatment is a bonus!
Christy says
I know, right?? He has grown up on this blog! Thankfully, I was blessed with an extra two weeks with him as we got word yesterday that classes, and therefore move-in, have been pushed back two weeks! I think I’ll be more ready in two weeks! And thank you for the good wishes! I’m glad you enjoy the smalls…they are fun for me too! The box is definitely a favorite! XOXO
Karen Davis says
I love all of your projects and today’s favorite is the box with the bee transfer. So cute and a little surprise! Well done as always!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Karen! I love that one too! XOXO
Mary in VA says
Like the basket best!
Christy says
Thanks, Mary! Amazing what a little paint can do to change the feel of a piece! XOXO
Donna says
Again, I loved all the makeovers but esp liked the lamp one. What a neat idea to do for the shade! Again thanks for the giveaway. It would be so awesome to win. There are some colors in your shop I would like to try.
Christy says
Thank you, Donna! The lamp is fun! My pleasure on the giveaway…good luck!! XOXO
Cris says
I love the white box with duck egg paint on the inside. Do you have an online shop?
Christy says
Thank you, Cris! I do have an Esty shop, but I only sell Dixie Belle products in it. https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheSerialDIYer I sell my pieces in my booth at a local antique mall. XOXO
Rosie says
All the smalls turned out lovely. Funny how just a little paint can do wonders and transform to a new and fresh look. Nice job!! Hard to choose a favourite but I guess I would have to say the basket. The colour just makes you feel happy!!!
Christy says
Thank you, Rosie!! And yes, so true…I am looking forward to using that pretty blue on something else! XOXO
Kathy M says
Every single time I look at your transformations, I’m wowed!
Christy says
Aww I appreciate that so much, Kathy! Thank you!! XOXO
Carla says
I always love the “smalls!” The lines on the shelf are really pretty.
Christy says
Thanks so much, Carla! XOXO
Cheryl says
Awww Christie. That boy of yours is and was adorable. 😍 I’m heading out into my garage to see if I have any uglies that could be transformed into CJ works of art….. 🤞🏻
Cheryl in Cville
Christy says
Thank you, Cheryl! Yes…go find those uglies lol! XOXO
julia jae says
I can’t believe you made that old tattered olive tree look good! I was sure you were going to scrap that tree. 😉 Beautiful work and you have such a great eye!
Christy says
Thank you, Julia! I have no idea what drew me to that sad thing lol, but it fixed up pretty cute lol! XOXO
Cecilia from Georgia says
I love ALL the makeovers but the lamp is my favorite. How cute it looks without the cover on the shade! But the inside of the trinket box is adorable too. Enjoy the week with your Jack! Thanks for the giveaway!
Christy says
Thank you, Cecilia!! I think the shade gives that lamp some charm now! Have a great week and good luck on the giveaway! XOXO
Shirley says
You are so good at visualizing and then making it happen. I love when you do several small things; I have copied a few.
My favorites are the pretty detailed shelf and the small ornate box with transfer. Adorable. My least favorite is the lamp….not actually the lamp…the shade. I suppose I’m just old school. Love ❤️ love 💕 love 💗 seeing the magic you perform week after week.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Shirley! The smalls are fun for me too, and I too love the box! I do like the lamp, but I am not a fan of the exposed bulb, so I would just use it for looks and not function. I figured if it doesn’t sell, I can easily replace the shade! Have a great week, my friend!! XOXO
Constance Colvin says
Oh Christy I love your “smalls” posts! You seem to have such a quick vision-meter and can just whip through them like a hurricane! Listen……… on a sobering note, and speaking from EXPERIENCE………prepare yourself if you can!!! When my son left for college I had been filled with DREAD and tears for the whole year previous!! I was simply crushed. He’s back home here in Los Angeles now but he was all the way across the country in New York! Wah wah wah! It was awful and very sad and I kept asking myself “Did I just DREAM that I had that little boy? Where did he GO????” It’s so hard for mothers to lose that……..Anyway, the voice of DOOM here :-O :-O :-O HAHAHAHAHAH……..but it IS the truth! I’ll be thinking about you! :-*
Christy says
Thank you, Connie! And I appreciate your DOOM lol…very honest and I am sure that will be me!! We did just get word yesterday that classes have been pushed back two weeks, so his move-in date has also! It is like a gift!! He is really excited, so I am hoping that helps! XOXO
Kimberly Wollmer says
I was trying to imagine what you would do with that tree. It turned out amazing! Thanks for the inspiration! In three weeks I’ll be crying too when I drop off my daughter at college. I’d tell you to stay strong, but I know I won’t and will have my share of crying jags too. Best of luck to Jack!
Christy says
Thanks, Kimberly! I don’t know what drew me to that little tree, but I am glad I was able to help it along a bit ha ha! And oh no…not you too! They have to grow up sometime, but I am just not ready lol! Be strong, mama! XOXO
Lizzy says
Love these! They went from nothing to something! Perfect color choices.
Christy says
Thank you, Lizzy! XOXO
Dianne Noffke says
You know I love everything you do and no different with this group today. The only thing I’m missing is more Lila. is she on vacation or become camera shy?
Christy says
Thank you, Dianne! Lyla is still here following me around lol. She is usually just out of the shot when I’m photographing. I’ll share her again soon! XOXO
Sharon says
I love your Painting the Smalls posts! I think the lamp is my favorite! I’m going to give your blue paint recipe a try too. 🙂 The basekt is my second favorite!
Christy says
Thank you, Sharon! Yes, try the recipe…I’m looking forward to trying it on something larger. It has the softness of Sea Glass, but more blue! XOXO
Cheryl says
I love them all but my fave is the metal basket! Great job!!
Christy says
Thank you, Cheryl! I love that one too! XOXO
Robyn D. Wright says
The “smalls” are my favorite! What is the “gold” box made from?
Christy says
Aww yay! They are fun for me too, Robyn! I believe the gold box is some sort of resin? XOXO
Tracey Baxter says
Hi Christy, I just love exploring your site. I need a bit of courage to buy my first Dixie Belle paints, on line. What white would you suggest for a beginner, e.g. Fluff or Cotton or another suggestion. I can get Rustoleum Primer sprays locally in a hardware store. I have a timber chair to do up. I have tried to get a spray tent/booth with no luck yet in Melbourne, Australia. Best wishes and love your work. Tracey
Christy says
Thank you, Tracey! The white you choose depends on your preference…do you want a bright stark white like Cotton or a bit of a muted vintage white like Fluff? They are both great, but because Fluff has a bit of pigment in it, it requires one less coat, which is awesome! If you still are undecided, I suggest purchasing an 8oz of each and try them out on a couple of pieces and see which you prefer. That stinks about the spray tent, but I will use just a couple of large boxes flattened to spray on days that aren’t windy. Good luck! XOXO
Denise Cox says
My Favorites: the magazine rack…lovely shape and curves!! The lamp, because of the clever idea to
“deconstruct” the shade. That really gives it a new personality and I love it!! But, my favorite is that adorable box!!!!! The finishing touch of painting the inside and adding the decal sent me over the edge!!! And, of course, you know I’m going to swoon over those two ‘ coastal blue’ colors you mixed together. Just lovely!!! GREAT JOB, Christie!!!! 👍👌👏😊
Christy says
I’m so glad you enjoyed these, Denise! I too love that new blue…can’t wait to try it on something bigger!! Have a great weekend! XOXO
Kathy says
My fav was square box. I figured you’d keep round metal basket..
Christy says
I loved that one too, Kathy! And if I had a place for that round metal basket, I surely would have kept it! Have a great weekend! XOXO
Whitney says
Absolutely love the wall shelf. Any chance it’s still for sale?
Christy says
Thanks, Whitney! I loved all those details on this one too, but I’m sorry to say, it has sold. XOXO
Kathy Sober says
Hi! I used to have an booth in an antique co-op store years ago. We weren’t allowed to sell new stuff. We could paint old furniture and accessories, but the item itself had to be at least 20 years old. Where do sell the newer stuff that is repainted? Is it a craft outlet, online, or in a shop? Thanks.
Christy says
Hi Kathy! I’m in an antique mall, but they aren’t that strict. It would be hard to tell if an item is actually older than 20 years once it was painted anyway. The majority of things I paint are older though.